Tipping Is Expected More Than Ever: 5 Ways To Stay Frugal and Grateful
Written by
Stacy Sare Cohen
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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With the practice of “tipflation,” there’s been greater pressure on American consumers to tip service workers more than in recent years.
This pressure can be a source of frustration for retirees living on a fixed income — especially with credit card fees passed on to customers at dining establishments.
Today, tipping is expected more than ever. However, these tips on tipping will help you stay frugal and grateful while staying on budget.
Match Your Tip to the Level of Service
Not every service deserves the same gratuity. Match your tip to the level of service you receive. For instance, restaurant servers often earn below minimum wage and rely on tips, so 15% to 18% is fair for good service.
Amanda Belarmino, hospitality professor and expert on consumer behavior and tourism at the University of Nevada, said a 15% to 18% is “perfectly reasonable.” She recommends reserving a 20% tip for someone who did something exceptional for you.
However, for a counter-service barista who spends a minute handing you a takeout order, tapping “no tip” or leaving a dollar in a tip jar is perfectly acceptable.
Always check whether the gratuity is already included in your bill, which is common in high-end restaurants and hotels.
Pay Your Gratuity in Cash
Tipping in cash ensures the worker receives your tip directly — and it won’t get added to your credit card balance later. This voices processing fees that can reduce the tips the service worker will take home.
For food delivery services, review in-app tip suggestions before confirming your order. Some apps automatically include high tip amounts, so it’s worth checking to make sure what you’re giving feels fair, and avoid tipping in cash when the app already charged you a gratuity on top of service fees.
Set a Monthly Tipping Budget
Planning ahead turns tipping from an awkward surprise into a thoughtful habit. Decide on a set amount each month based on how often you dine out or order in. Setting aside a small budget makes it easier to sustain your generosity.
Know Tipping Etiquette When You Travel
Tipping etiquette can vary when traveling internationally. In some countries, such as Japan, leaving a tip is considered impolite and disrespectful. In contrast, tipping in Canada and most regions in the U.S. is appropriate. Ask a travel advisor whether tipping is appropriate in the destination country you plan on visiting.
Gratitude Doesn’t Always Mean Spending More
Showing appreciation doesn’t always require an expensive tip. A moderate tip, a kind word and a smile are sometimes enough to brighten someone’s day. In addition, taking the time to write a positive online review, thanking the person for excellent service, is another way to express your gratitude for a job well done.
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